Syrian President confirms indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa revealed on Wednesday that indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel were conducted through international mediators to ease tensions and avoid further escalation.

“Indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators through mediators to calm the situation and prevent out of control,” Al-Sharaa said in a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron after the meeting.

The Syrian leader reiterated his administration’s commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement that ruled the ceasefire line between Syria and Israel in the Golan Heights.

Negotiations have intensified tensions following recent Israeli air strikes on the Golan Heights and Syrian territory.

Earlier, sources in Damascus showed that the Syrian government had opened up dialogue on a potential peace agreement with Israel.

Sources said it is possible to make a settlement, but only under certain conditions – i.e. the implementation of international agreements and the return of occupied Syrian territory.

Sources say any peace process needs to be based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the evacuation of Israel's occupied territory since 1967, including the Golan Heights.

The reported Syria demands are consistent with the conditions previously made by Saudi Arabia as its own normalization framework and the normative conditions of Israel. However, sources noted that Israel had no positive response to the proposals.

Instead, it was accused of trying to impose new clauses through military pressure and rejecting the basis of an earlier agreement.

The Golan Heights remain a key issue

The Golan Heights were occupied by Israel in 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981, which remains a central issue.

The international community continues to recognize the occupation of Syrian land.

Although observers remain skeptical about the possibility of progress, the recent shift from Damascus tone may mark a significant change in the political dynamics in the region.

Israel has reportedly strengthened its military presence in parts of the Golan Heights and continued air strikes on Syria’s territory after a recent political transition in Syria, which would increase tensions despite signs that could be a sign of diplomatic proposals.

He confirmed through the mediator that indirect negotiations with Israel aimed at maintaining peace and reaffirming Syria's compliance with the 1974 disengagement agreement.

“Indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators to calm the situation and prevent loss of control.”